Dr. Manmohan Singh lauds Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling for his able handling of earthquake tragedy
Sikkim receives 1000 crores as immeidate relief from Prime Minister

Gangtok, September 29, 2011 : The Prime Minister on his visit to the state on 29th Sept. 2011 made an aerial recce of North Sikkim and other parts of the State. After this, a meeting took place at the Katoch Hall in the Libing Cantonment with the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the State Government administration, representatives of the Army, NDRF and other armed forces.

During the meeting the Chief Secretary made a Power Point Presentation on the destruction and damages caused by the quake. Thereafter, the Chief Minister also presented Memorandum of Relief under National Calamity ot the Prime Minister.

While addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister gave full assurance to the State by the Government of India. He suggested that relief and rehabilitation of quake victims should get utmost importance. Expert team on Earthquake Resistant Technology would be sent by the Central Government to assist the State in rebuilding its infrastructure, the Prime Minister added. Restoration and expansion of road network should be of highest priority. North Sikkim Highway leading to Chungthang is to be opened by the BRO by 15th October 2011. The roads above Chungthang are also to be reopened. Special dispensation will by made available for road construction. The Prime Minister also highlighted the damages caused to schools, drinking water supply, flood control works, minor irrigation channels etc. Restoration of National monuments and religious institutions will also get priority. Other demands will also be considered favourably by the Government of India.

The Prime Minister most graciously announced an interim relief fund of Rs.1000 crores for immediate restoration and relief works of infrastructure. He expressed his heartfelt sadness at the destruction caused by the recent earthquake. Assuring the people of Sikkim that the Sikkimese people were not alone but that the whole country stood by them in this hour of crisis, he added that all possible help will be extended in rebuilding the lives of the people of Sikkim. He also advised the State Government to learn from its experience by using proper building technology and building bye laws, so as to be better prepared for future occurrences of earthquakes. In fact, he urged the Chief Minister to make Sikkim a model state in earthquake mitigation and show the way to other earthquake – prone States.

At the end, the Prime Minister complimented the Chief Minister for being a great Nationalist and for heading the best State Government. In reply, the Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister and assured him that he would always strive to live up to his highest expectations.

On his departure the Prime Minister appreciated the work done by the State Government, the Army, ITBP, NDRF, BRO and all voluntary organizations.

(with IPR input)